Wednesday, June 28, 2017

If You Bring Your Kid To A Movie Etiquette 101

My family loves to go to the movies but sometimes when we go, it can be frustrating. It seems when there's a kid movie, parents don't feel the need to discipline their young children, and I don't understand it. Oh sure, there will be more noise during a children's film, and that's fine, but constant noise? No. It's not fine, because guess what, I paid to watch the movie too, and if I can't hear over a child's constant whining, it's simply not cool.





Trust me, I know it's tough, which is why I waited until my kids were 5 to take them to see a movie in a theater. Was it tricky having kids spaced 5 years apart? Yes. I would take my son to a movie and leave my daughter with my husband. Or we'd switch. We'd have our family time in other ways knowing full well that our toddlers would not stay quiet throughout an entire film. Other people seem to think it's okay to let their toddlers roam the aisles, which is baffling.


I can generally be understanding, because this parenting gig is TOUGH, but not when I'm paying $10 a seat. Sorry. Here are some basic etiquette rules that everyone should follow.









1. Make sure your kids stay quiet.


No one wants to constantly hear little Johnny talk throughout the film. Some kids don't understand indoor voices, and they'll keep TALKING LIKE THIS. It's not okay. If your kid asks a question every five seconds, that's irritating to the people sitting around you. If your toddler keeps screeching to the point where the people around you cannot hear the film, it's a problem. Whispering now and again is not an issue because yes, kids can get excited.


2. Make sure little Suzy can stay in her seat.


People can feel it if your kid is running in the aisle behind you. I was once sitting in front of a family and the kid would walk from Mom to Dad and each time my seat would be bumped. I got Diet Coke up my nose at one point because I went for a drink and the kid slammed into the back of my seat. No apologies were said.


3. Don't let your kid put their feet against the seat in front of them.


I mean, it's common sense why, but a lot of people don't have common sense these days. I had to turn around and tell a kid to take their feet off my chair since the Mom wasn't paying any attention. Then she muttered something about strangers disciplining her kids--well, strangers wouldn't have to if you did it on your own, thanks.


4. Kids need to stay off the iPhone when the movie is on.


A parent once handed her kid an iPad in the middle of a movie. Someone else complained about the light and she yelped, "What am I supposed to do?" I don't know? Leave? With your kid? Hello? She didn't leave. She told the man to leave if he had a problem with it. I think he told a theater worker and that worker got her to get out.


5. The aisles are NOT a place for children to run up and down.

Yes, there are stairs. Maybe you want Billy to have a workout. But it's not appropriate during a film. It's distracting to others.



So please. Have some manners if your decide to bring your child to see a movie. I understand it can be a challenge taking young ones to the theater, but if you have to wait a few years, it's okay. Do something else. Go to the zoo. Go to a park. Explore your city.




And then in a few years, try again.

103 comments:

  1. My kids are 2.5 and 5.5. I do not bring either to the movies because both would not sit still or be quiet. I hate parents who do not control their kids at places like the movies. Just accept that your kiddo cannot sit still and quiet and bring them back in a couple of years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes to this! It's time to bring movie etiquette back :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree, it's not just children as well, I've been in a the cinema before when adults have acted awfully! In fact once I ended up getting a refund they were so awful.

      Delete
  3. you are so right a kids movie is one thing to attend where children are present but truly kids should be able to follow at least these rules
    come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. GOD. THANK YOU.
    I love children. I nanny for some incredible children. And you know what? They can behave. And their parents do not take them to adult movies where they might not behave. They hire me to watch them. It's really so easy! Lol.
    I went to see some pretty rough movies in the past and people had their screaming small children in the theater. How do they explain some of these explicit scenes to a 4 year old??? I gotta wonder....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes to all of these! Noise and disturbances are always so annoying when you're watching a movie. But to be honest, kids are not the most annoying one. They usually are quiet. Adults are the ones on their phones! xx corinne

    ReplyDelete
  6. My daughter is just one so I haven't watched a movie in what feels like foverer. I wouldn't bring her till she is a lot older and I wish there was a movie theater just for kids so that they could be free to enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. After googling this topic, I came upon your post. This is just what I needed; thank you for sharing about bringing kids to the movies . We will be going a lot this summer so these tips definitely will come in handy

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love kids, they are so funny and is beautiful to see them playing and having fun, but you got absolutely reason! In some places this is not allowed and their parents must teach them respect and etiquette!

    ReplyDelete
  9. In addition to talkative kiddos during children's movies, I find it terrible when parents take their young children to R rated movies. Not only is this completely inappropriate, but many times their babies and toddlers start crying and talking during the film disrupting the moving-going experience. In California a movie ticket for adults ranges between $13 and $16.50, so it's frustrating for everyone in the theater when children cannot sit quietly during movies.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is exactly right! My son understands that when he's in the theater he needs to be quiet. There was one movie that scared him to death and he started to scream so I took him out (it was a cartoon he is just really sensitive). It was the right thing to do if your child is too loud.

    ReplyDelete
  11. These sound like some great tips, I normally try and go to the cinema in school hours as it is always so much quieter.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my goodness yes! I can't stand the way some parents let kids do whatever they want in public. Let me tell you, many adults need a refresher in these rules as well. I can see where the kids get it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. YES!
    I do have to tell you a funny story, though. One of my local theaters (long since demolished) had baby friendly showings. The movies would be adult-oriented but people could bring babies and expect loudness. Well they made a misprint in the paper and my friend and I showed up with our loud babies at a non-baby showing.
    Oh boy. Everyone got their money back that day.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes! And if and when your child gets antsy, walk him or her outside. And if all else fails, bribe with candy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is exactly why my three year old has yet to see Cars 3! I am so scared that she won't sit still long enough and I'd hate to ruin it for others!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What ever happened to the theater "ushers"? I vaguely remember there being someone assigned to check - and toss if necessary - those who made it difficult for others to enjoy a movie. Good checklist for parents and babysitters who take kids to the movies.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I know, right?!? When we saw Muppets Most Wanted, this one kid was screaming and crying and the parents weren't doing anything about it. My daughter finds ways to drive me crazy at the movies sometimes. I find it easier if she sits with her brother in a different row or a few seats away. Then she doesn't talk at all.

    ReplyDelete
  18. these are all so funny, and at then end true. i remember when we were little my mom would take us to the movies and if we didn't behave she said she wouldnt bring us again. it always worked.

    ReplyDelete
  19. these sure do seem like alot of rules to follow. While I can appreciate the equiette I think when you are goign to a children's movie all of thes things might happen and you gotta roll with it. Id be upset if this was an adult movie and this disruption happen. But hey those annoying kids, they paid, or well mom paid for their tickets too. We should all try and be more forgiving and curtious to each other. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am to a point, but constant screeching is not okay, kid movie or not. I paid to have an enjoyable evening with my family, after all. Why should I have to to listen to screaming?

      Delete
  20. I agree with this entire post! My husband and I also take turns going to the movies since our son is too young to go. We go as a family to drive-in theaters though...they are great for all ages!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't think I've ever experienced any behaviour like that, I certainly wouldn't leave it if I did, that's what the staff are for.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I totally agrre. This is good avice for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Now that my kids are grown, I totally agree with you. All attendees should have a good experience.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I pretty much stopped going to theaters because of this. It doesn't matter how adult of a movie we go to, there are always young children in the theater and somehow they always end up sitting near us. I get that parents want to go out too, but it shouldn't be at the expense of everyone else's experience.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I hate to do this but typo in the title. "If you(r).." I am always grateful when people point these things out to me so I hope you won't take this the wrong way. Much love from England! <3

    ReplyDelete
  26. When I first brought my son to a movie theater I was worried that he will not last for the duration of time, but we did survive the less than two hour movie. I did instructed him to keep it quiet as others are watching. I did witness some of the movie goers who brings their kids to the movie house and tamtrums sets in. The stress from the parents the whole time.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you for this post. I think even grown ups need some training in the etiquette department at the cinema.
    www.thevagabondwayfarer.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yes oh my gosh yes!!! We refuse to take E to the movies until she is at least 5. Kyle hates going to the movies anyway so we can avoid it as long as possible haha.

    ReplyDelete
  29. These are great tips! I know it takes extra patience when bring kids to the movie house.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I 100% agree with what you said. There is nothing like paying all that money for the movie and snacks and then having a loud, disrespectful child ruin it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. i can't sit through a movie so I don't see them. I didn't expect my kids to be able to sit through movies either so I never took them.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Absolutely yes to this! I really don't like when I go to the movies and kids or even adults are interrupting it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love this post! I'm still laughing at the first question. LOL, If I know my son is not into the movie that I want to watch. I'll pass with taking him.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This post was painful, I have a two and four year old and I could NOT handle it if either of them behaved like that!! and Ipad at the theater??? What's the point of paying for a ticket???? I can't stand when kids kick my seat!! So annoying, and no, I am not going to sit there while someone hits my chair or kicks it nonstop either. Parent's can deal if they are not willing to discipline. I would be mortified not insulted if someone asked my kids to stop.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This post is very helpful. The tips are very useful for any parent. Thanks for sharing.
    XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger

    ReplyDelete
  36. Yes! This is the biggest problem sometimes. When we go to the theaters and if children are there they used to cry and shout which make a lot of noise. One comes to theater to enjoy the movie. I think before bringing kids for the movie parents should teach them some etiquette. Not everyone can understand and tolerate the disturbance.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great Etiquette before planning a movie with your kids, I loved the 3rd point, at times its very annoying for the people if kids don't mind their hands and legs. its better to guide kids for letting go such situations :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I hear you on this one. Not everything is for everybody and parents should really consider if their kids are able to act age appropriate at a theater. To another point you made .. and I have to agree. The older I get, the less tolerance I have for things like this. I wish I haven't developed edges and was as go-with-the-flow as I was when the kids were little .. but the realty is .. I'm not always anymore. Or maybe I should say, not as much as I'd wish I would be.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I never took my children to the cinema except for special small children screenings for these very reasons. Still, if it's a kids' movie kids are going to be kids!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lots of people bring their children to the movies and they have no clue how to act. This is a great list!

    ReplyDelete
  41. You are so right about not enough etiquette these days with the children or adults for that matter especially in the kids movies. Thanks for sharing these basic etiquette rules.

    ReplyDelete
  42. We Love going to the movies! Definitely our disconnect time! :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yes to all of this. I didn't take my kid to the movie until he was 2 years old. I wanted to be sure he could sit and not disrupt others. I don't believe in taking a baby to a movie. If you don't have a sitter, stay home.

    ReplyDelete
  44. These are all important pointers for all parents. We always tell our children these things when we go to movie house.

    ReplyDelete
  45. These are some great tips. We as parents have to make sure that our kids stay on seats and do not disturb others.

    ReplyDelete
  46. OMG I think the first time I was brought to a movie, I was around 8 years old. I don't know if I'd be able to bring my kids to a movie, I'd be so concerned of them crying!

    ReplyDelete
  47. This are great tips! Totally agree - as parents it's important to keep our children quiet and well behave in movie theater.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I agree with all of this! We have three kids that are 9, 7 and 6 and we have been going to the movies with them for years now. They enjoy it and we do not stress because we know that they understand how to behave. So it is actually fun for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  49. My boys were raised to be respectful of others when in public, whether it be movie theater or mall it doesn't matter. These rules apply to everyone, not just kids.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for your tips! I remember back in days were my Mom told us that going to the cinema is a right of passage. Yeah we only got our first cinema tried at the age of 13. It's okay we got excited to the point that we can't talk, LOL. #asianMomsbelike

    ReplyDelete
  51. my son has autism, so we practiced what to expect in the cinema before we decided to finally bring him there. We chose the last full show so that there are few people inside in case he'll make some noise. Glad he did not and enjoyed the film. From then on he likes watching movies in cinema often.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I personally don't have kids but I know my brother and SIL waited until my nephew was a little old and would stay in his seat before they took him to his first movie.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I do tend to give a little more slack when it comes to kids in kids movies, however being blatantly out of hand is a different story. I also like places like Alamo theatre where they take noise complaints very seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Now, if only we could convince all the moms who let their kids act up at the movies to read and remember your tips, we would all be set.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I hope every parent would consider this. As much as we would want to bring kids in the movie theatre, we should consider other moviegoers as well. Also I think movie theatres can also provide age requirements. - ANOSA

    ReplyDelete
  56. YES. A million times, yes! There is nothing worse than paying to see a movie and seeing children run all over and being loud. I loved this post.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I was watching Avengers 3, trust me whatever you said I fully 100% agree with you. Happened to me. The Kid and his father were talking in between as saying what happened to Captain America and all? Why he have beard? Where is Spider-Man? It's just not kids, even adults do the same thing.Hope you have next tips on adults as well. Some of your pointers goes with adults.What should we do, if parents get too defensive, does not accept their mistake?

    ReplyDelete
  58. I couldn't agree with you more!! This is so true! Everyone should be able to watch the movie in peace :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Please don’t talk during the movie or keep getting up and down. All good advice for going to the movies

    ReplyDelete
  60. AMEN girl!! You preach it! I swear parents think that no one can hear their child when they scream and holler when they are in a movie! I always make sure my kiddo is on his best behavior when it comes to going to the movies!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am so glad that you've addressed this social situation! Movie tickets are pricey, and when you go to see a movie it's so distracting to have little ones running down the aisles, kicking the backs of the chairs in front of them, and talking throughout the film. My husband and I raised two daughters and we didn't take them to the the theater until they were old enough to understand the rules and could sit still and watch the film.

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is very helpful to the parent who wants to watch movie with there kids.

    ReplyDelete
  63. This is great etiquette that need to be adressed when parents bringing their kids to movie theater. I;ve seen kids running around the aisle and it's not only bad behavior but also dangerous in dark theater.

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am having to intermittently type a response to you while applauding this post! This is a commons sense approach to a "group" activity. This is exactly the way to be respectful during a film. And it applied to both children AND adults! I am going to see Halloween 2018 this afternoon (I bet your daughter approves my movie selection!). Hopefully, everyone in the theater is cool. Right now I am the only one with a seat. That could be interesting... :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. ## 3 and 4. OMG! There were times I would just want to leave the theater but it's up to the parents to instruct our children how to behave. Kids have to be taught and parents should teach them.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Reminds me of when I first took my son to a movie when he was three. Diseater written all over it.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I can remember being an absolute terror in movies, probably more into my teens when I was bored and with friends I sort of cringe at the memories now.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Great tips! We have a small local theater that is more kid friendly so we only take them there when they are showing kid movies.

    ReplyDelete
  69. We had to wait until my daughter was 4 until she saw her first movie in the theater. Even then, she was more into the theater popcorn than the flick.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I agree with you. I have a friend I won't go to the movies with because her son is the WORST

    ReplyDelete
  71. Yes! We love the movies too, but it's no fun when kids aren't able to sit through it or pay attention. Great tips :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! It's the feet on the back of my seat that kills me. One time? Fine. We've all had our kids who do that. But put an end to it immediately. I cannot stand the constant seat kicking!

    ReplyDelete
  73. We have brought our kids to the movies lots of times. Honestly some times the toddler does better than the 5 year old. Other times not so much. But we go to kid movies that have been out for ages. So no bothering others.

    ReplyDelete
  74. We didn't take my kids to movies until they were old enough to sit still and actually enjoy it. It's better for everyone that way.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I have never seen kids run up and down the aisle, that would be so frustrating! We love going to the movies as a family, but we waited until they were older to go so we knew they could handle sitting still for those two hours.

    ReplyDelete
  76. It's really annoying to see little kids crying and having their tantrums during the movie. This is worth sharing to have the correct etiquette and also the parents to consider this post in bringing their kids to movie house.

    ReplyDelete
  77. These are important things to remember before going in a theater with your kid and I really appreciate you for sharing this with us.

    ReplyDelete
  78. These are things that need to be discuss with your child before going in a theater. It looks so simple but very important.

    ReplyDelete
  79. This is great advice for keeping kids settled. You are right, if they cannot stay still maybe take them to the zoo.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Si to all 5. Would rather wait for the dvd than to have The Trio or The Grands misbehave in a theater.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I agree completely! Parents don't teach their children about how to behave in public especially if it is a children's event. I spent the last movie we went to walking my youngest up and down the outer hallway as to not be a disruption.

    ReplyDelete
  82. The reason why we don't go to the movies as a family is because the little one can't be trusted to sit down. She can also throw a tantrum. At home, if there's a villain, she wants to turn the video off. That can't be in the movie house. She can greatly trouble others and we don't want that.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I hate when someone lets their kid turn around and talk in a theater. Or worse gives them their phone so they can enjoy the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I couldn't agree more. In fact, some adults need some etiquette too...especially in concerts. I've had my feet stomped and drinks on my lap from people going back and forth and back and forth for no good reason.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I totally agree with this! Most of parents they don't teaches their children about how to behave in public so mostly children have lack of etiquette when their in public places.

    ReplyDelete
  86. These are all really great movie etiquette tips! I've been wanting to take my son to see the new Grinch movie but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't sit still through the whole movie because he is still pretty young. I'd hate to have to chase him around the theater disrupting everyone! We're going to be waiting until RedBox, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I remember taking my daughter to her first movie, Curious Gearge and she was an angel during that movie. It is so important to keep kids quiet and in their seats during a movie out of respect for others.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I took my 4 kids to the movies - one is blind and was whispering most of the movie what is this and what is that the couple that sat 3 rows behind me caught an attitude with ME because of her. #1 its a kids movie give me a break and #2 she is blind she is gonna ask questions. My others were pretty good but it really pissed me off that they would be so mean and nasty because my 11 year old child was asking questions.

    ReplyDelete
  89. These are good reminders. It can be even more challenging when the kids bring their friends along!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Oh my, I've never seen kids running in the aisles while a movie was playing, that's unacceptable. I haven't had kids make my seat uncomfortable but have had adults do it.

    ReplyDelete
  91. We have only taken my daughter to one movie. She sat through it really well, but I don;t want to take chances in case it's a movie she gets bored with.

    ReplyDelete
  92. I had a lady bring her baby, about 10 months old, to Lion King a few weeks back. Instead of removing said baby when the baby started to cry, she thought it would be a good idea to walk her up and down the aisle stairs. Some people are just unbelievable.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I experienced having my seat bumped many times before and it was really annoying. But some parents just don't seem to care. Sad.

    -LYNNDEE

    ReplyDelete
  94. YES!!! I couldn't believe the things some parents let their kids do the last time we went. I understand the occasional chatter or movement, but full out running up and down the stairs/aisle was too much.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I really wish parents would follow these. The most annoying thing I experienced was when kids are bumping my seat and parent wouldn't do anything even after you complain about it.

    ReplyDelete
  96. It’s refreshing to hear a parent say this! I think this but as a childless person it’s hard to voice this opinion without a lot of backlash. Agree with all of your points.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I hardly ever go to the movies anymore maybe like once a year!!! this is such a great post.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Awesome. I agree movies are costly and the last thing you want is someones misbehaved child making it bad for everyone else. I feel sorry for the parent when this happens. But a lot need to respect others. This includes having a well behaved child.

    ReplyDelete
  99. I don't go to the movies very often for this reason. There were times when I took my youngest, but he would sleep or nurse so he was quite.After that we didn't go until he could watch a kids movie all the way through. But we didn't take him near nap time and we waited to go into the theater after the previews were over with. But if my son got too cranky, I got up and took him outside the theater so that other could enjoy the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  100. It is a shame that people don't just know these things automatically. We went to movies infrequently with our kids, but they were always really good in the theater. I'm sure a lot of has to do with parental expectations.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I went to the movies with my oldest son the other night. I couldn't believe that there was a woman in the theater with her baby and when the baby started crying, she just ignored it. It's like really??

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the comment!

Share This

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...